Sunday Story "My Live-in Sasuraal" Season 3 - Episode 3 - Some people like....never change

Check out the previous part of the story: Family decisions

Anika served a yummy, hot chocolate, one of her signature recipes to Akash. He had once commented that she is the best hot chocolate maker in the world. Though she would tease him, ‘Bournvita Guy’ when he sipped on the beverage, Akash shared a half-displeased half-satisfactory look. But that night, Anika didn’t dare to pull his leg as her live-in boyfriend was in one of his worse moods.

“I have tried to do everything. I have altered my mindset, I have ignored him, I have given my best, I didn’t set any expectations, and I have prayed...I don’t know what I should do more to get rid of this trouble.” He groaned but when he noticed the yummy-looking beverage garnished with chocolate chips and cream, he stopped.

Calmly, he grasped the mug in his hands and plonked on the bed. Anika plumped herself beside him and teased him in some other way.

“I feel insecure. Your Boss is in your thoughts more than I am. I am jealous of him.” She snorted humorously.

“Do you have someone about whom you feel the way I feel about my Boss?” He teased her further.  

“Well, I have someone in my life…but I can’t share it with you. Sorry, Bournvita guy.” She pulled his cheek even though he was sipping the chocolatey drink.

Akash gazed at her in shock and wondered who that person might be.

“Hey, tell me. We are going to be life partners soon. We are already living in. Tell me who is it. If it is not me, then is it one of your ….” He tried to guess nervously, “Lovers or crushes?”

“Come on, Akash. You are trying to dig into my past for no reason. I never had crushes, guys had huge crushes on me.” She responded smartly, her cheeks blushing pink.

He agreed with a quick nod but insisted answer his question, “Tell me, who’s that? If it’s not me, then who? Your boss? Your colleague? Your …”

“Sorry, I can’t disclose. You might get hurt.” She said, and rose as she heard Vaishali calling her to discuss their shopping spree.

“I need to go.  Aunty is calling me to show me all the shopping that they have done today. Don’t stress out, baby. I will do some nice oil champi on your head tonight. Don’t worry.” She said, caressing his hair lovingly, leaving Akash in his thoughts. Suddenly, he stopped worrying about his Boss and was more concerned about Anika and the mysterious person who bothered her.

Are we really a couple? We stay in a room, we share a bed. She has changed her whole life to live with me. But why can’t she tell me who is bothering her? Am I not understanding and caring enough? He wondered and slept early at night with his thoughts.

The next day, he discussed his concern on a call with Manav, who immediately grumbled.

“If she is worried that you might get hurt, then that person is someone from your family. Can’t you even figure it out, Akash? How can you be so dumb?”

Akash realized his mistake. Maybe, she was not happy with his family. It was overwhelming to stay with them and adjusting was like a herculean task for her. She was answerable for most of her outings and visits to her parent’s house. Also, she didn’t like sharing her space or personal stuff with her family members, Akash knew that very well. He concluded that Anika was not happy with his family members and he had to do something about it.

That night, he decided to have a deep conversation with her. He made her sit beside her and asked with concern, “Baby, I have been complaining about my Boss for a month now. If someone has been giving you a hard time, why don’t I deserve to know about it? I promise I won’t be hurt, but pour your heart into me. I can’t guess what’s in your mind and I can’t help myself why someone is bothering you so much.”

“Hey, Akash!” She exclaimed flabbergasted at his sudden caring attitude. “It is okay if you don’t know. It is not important at all.”

“My family is not important?” He asked with a stubborn expression.

Noticing that he was offended, Anika thought of disclosing it to him. “I am not saying that Badi Chachi is wrong or bad. She is a bit….you know….difficult to handle. I have tried everything. I have altered my mindset, I have ignored her, I have given my best, I didn’t set any expectations, and I have prayed to God that she might understand me one day…” It appeared like Anika was repeating what Akash said the other day unknowingly.

“What did she do?” He asked sternly.

“It is the same story. Nagging, complaining, making sarcastic remarks, resenting, and all that.” She shrugged carelessly. “Let it be. I have realized one thing, baby. Some people don’t change. You know, some people like your Boss, Badi Chachi…We can’t do anything to change them.”

“And you didn’t care to complain about her to me? You could have blabbered the way I do every evening after returning from work.” He asked, feeling hurt again.

“You were already upset with your Boss. I thought if I complain, I will become that wife who cribs to her husband about his family members. So, I didn’t….and frankly, after listening to your Boss, I forget about Badi Chachi for a while.” She smiled mischievously.

Akash noticed that she was trying to pull his leg again and so, he winked, “Maybe, I have become the husband who cribs about his whole day to his wife. Wow! Unbelievable!”

They both giggled and Akash reminded her indignantly, “You should share more, baby. This is not done. Sharing is caring, remember!”

Anika nodded and realized that she should not have hidden her emotions in front of Akash.

“Well, so let us complain for a while over a cup of hot chocolate?” She asked and Akash didn’t refuse.